Notification

PSA confused !

User

Posted
06 January 2017 20:10:59(UTC)

This is probably a stupid question but here it goes .. my husband will have his first PSA since having his RP in December at the end of January. If his PSA levels have dropped right down , does that mean his cancer has gone ?

We have to take his blood test results with us to the consultant as one hospital doesn't talk to another, so we will have his results before the consultant sees them .

Thanks in advance

User

Posted
06 January 2017 21:20:06(UTC)

You will be hoping for an indetectable psa of < 0.1. Something approx 0.05. This indicates a really successful operation and bulk cancer removal. However unfortunately this level still has to be monitored closely. If the surgeon has left cancer cells behind they can start to multiply again and lead to a rise in levels which will necessitate further treatment. Some people believe cancer can never be fully eradicated due to tiny amounts spreading around the body and laying dormant or growing incredibly slowly , but prostate cancer is mainly a slow growing cancer , and recurrence can take many many years and even then be further controlled with radiotherapy and hormone therapy and chemo etc

If life gives you lemons , then make lemonade

Thanked 2 times

User

Posted
06 January 2017 22:03:20(UTC)

Hi good luck with the consultancy. A really low PSA is the ideal. But you need the full histology report i.e. Gleason score, were margins clear, did they test any nodes, were nerves spared or not.

Unfortunately there are never any guarantees but you can just hope for the best results possible. But PSA testing will be a part of your lives now regardless of the results

Here's hoping for a great result

Bri

User

Posted
06 January 2017 22:07:28(UTC)

My husband was told they were able to spare the nerves , as for everything else have to wait for his first consultation since the RD . Here's keeping everything crossed for him Thank you